Thursday, 15 November 2012

Yesterday the Royal Commission together with the Robotics Section of the Computer Science Department at Aberystwyth University undertook laser scanning of a former slate-carrying vessel that is eroding out of the steep bank of the River Leri at Ynyslas near Aberystwyth. The vessel is one of three wrecks in the area, all of which were depicted on an Admiralty chart of 1892. They are thought to have been part of the Derwenlas slate-carrying fleet, responsible for transporting slates from the Corris and Aberllefenni quarries. The vessels became redundant following the arrival of the railway, and around 1868 were put to their last useful purpose as markers in the channel.

Recent monitoring of the wreck by the Malvern Archaeological Diving Unit highlighted the increased erosion and exposure of the vessel and it was therefore important to make an accurate record, both to provide benchmark data for future monitoring and also, in the worst case scenario, ensure preservation by record. Laser scanning was the ideal technology to use given the muddy and tidal environment as well as the 3-dimentional nature of the wreck, all of which would have made traditional recording both a challenging and time consuming task.

0
comments:

Post a Comment

www.rcahmw.gov.uk Please comment and let us know your views or your news. Remember that what you write can be read by everyone. RCAHMW reserves the right not to publish offensive or inaccurate material.

Heritage of Wales News

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales uses this blog to let you know about its work in archaeological and architectural survey and investigation, its user-services, web-services and its publications. We are interested to hear your views about the archaeology and architecture of Wales, Welsh heritage and the work of the Commission.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct World Heritage Site

Visualization showing the construction of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Produced by See3D Ltd. on behalf of The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales.

People's Collection Wales

For general or research enquiries, contact:The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales,
Library and Enquiries Service,
National Monuments Record of Wales,
Ffordd Penglais,
Aberystwyth,
SY23 3BU